UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended August 4, 2006

 

THE TORO COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

1-8649

 

41-0580470

(State of Incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

 

 

 

 

8111 Lyndale Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55420

Telephone number: (952) 888-8801

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

 

Yes

x

 

No

o

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

 

Accelerated filer

o

Non-accelerated filer

o

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

 

Yes

o

 

No

x

 

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of September 1, 2006 was 40,962,724.

 

 



 

THE TORO COMPANY

 

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

Page Number

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) -

 

 

Three and Nine Months Ended August 4, 2006 and July 29, 2005

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) -

 

 

August 4, 2006, July 29, 2005, and October 31, 2005

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) -

 

 

Nine Months Ended August 4, 2006 and July 29, 2005

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6-11

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

12-20

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

21

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

22

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

22

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

23

 

 

 

Item 2.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

23

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

24

 

 

 

 

Signatures

25

 

2



 

PART I. ITEM 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,
2006

 

July 29,
2005

 

August 4,
2006

 

July 29,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

477,861

 

$

466,942

 

$

1,506,505

 

$

1,442,296

 

Cost of sales

 

307,525

 

303,681

 

974,039

 

940,729

 

Gross profit

 

170,336

 

163,261

 

532,466

 

501,567

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

108,615

 

108,595

 

340,129

 

330,376

 

Earnings from operations

 

61,721

 

54,666

 

192,337

 

171,191

 

Interest expense

 

(4,677

)

(4,820

)

(14,097

)

(13,453

)

Other income, net

 

2,756

 

642

 

6,088

 

2,725

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

59,800

 

50,488

 

184,328

 

160,463

 

Provision for income taxes

 

19,478

 

16,111

 

59,645

 

52,953

 

Net earnings

 

$

40,322

 

$

34,377

 

$

124,683

 

$

107,510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share of common stock

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.77

 

$

2.88

 

$

2.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share of common stock

 

$

0.91

 

$

0.74

 

$

2.78

 

$

2.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding – Basic

 

42,852

 

44,494

 

43,283

 

45,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding – Diluted

 

44,360

 

46,438

 

44,806

 

46,966

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

August 4,
2006

 

July 29,
2005

 

October 31,
2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

24,815

 

$

34,665

 

$

41,402

 

Receivables, net

 

394,038

 

394,395

 

295,683

 

Inventories, net

 

255,031

 

235,146

 

235,347

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14,624

 

14,142

 

16,084

 

Deferred income taxes

 

58,203

 

51,861

 

58,558

 

Total current assets

 

746,711

 

730,209

 

647,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

528,846

 

495,674

 

506,884

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

365,143

 

328,784

 

339,607

 

 

 

163,703

 

166,890

 

167,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

8,197

 

17,200

 

15,737

 

Goodwill

 

81,402

 

81,475

 

81,197

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

5,332

 

5,611

 

5,452

 

Total assets

 

$

1,005,345

 

$

1,001,385

 

$

916,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

12

 

$

45

 

$

46

 

Short-term debt

 

24,535

 

54,509

 

325

 

Accounts payable

 

86,998

 

75,964

 

87,952

 

Accrued liabilities

 

271,022

 

267,770

 

252,879

 

Total current liabilities

 

382,567

 

398,288

 

341,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

175,000

 

175,012

 

175,000

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

872

 

3,837

 

872

 

Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities

 

9,605

 

9,318

 

9,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $1.00, authorized 1,000,000 voting and 850,000 non-voting shares, none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $1.00, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 41,374,724 shares as of August 4, 2006 (net of 12,657,496 treasury shares), 42,652,756 shares as of July 29, 2005 (net of 11,379,464 treasury shares), and 41,898,463 shares as of October 31, 2005 (net of 12,133,757 treasury shares)

 

41,375

 

42,653

 

41,899

 

Retained earnings

 

405,947

 

383,692

 

359,716

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(10,021

)

(11,415

)

(11,581

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

437,301

 

414,930

 

390,034

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,005,345

 

$

1,001,385

 

$

916,737

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,
2006

 

July 29,
2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

124,683

 

$

107,510

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity losses from investments

 

1,004

 

510

 

Provision for depreciation and amortization

 

31,490

 

30,110

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

(84

)

(339

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

6,018

 

7,284

 

Decrease (increase) in deferred income taxes

 

419

 

(7,481

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(99,062

)

(86,491

)

Inventories

 

(17,481

)

(767

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

3,042

 

2,897

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and deferred revenue

 

13,836

 

14,611

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

63,865

 

67,844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

 

(26,693

)

(24,294

)

Proceeds from asset disposals

 

908

 

2,447

 

Increase in investments in affiliates

 

(371

)

(197

)

Decrease in other assets

 

5,716

 

158

 

Proceeds from sale of a business

 

 

765

 

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

 

(35,285

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(20,440

)

(56,406

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in short-term debt

 

24,191

 

53,374

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(34

)

(34

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

 

16,270

 

5,665

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

8,196

 

7,609

 

Purchases of Toro common stock

 

(97,388

)

(125,093

)

Dividends paid on Toro common stock

 

(11,700

)

(8,151

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(60,465

)

(66,630

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

453

 

(899

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(16,587

)

(56,091

)

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period

 

41,402

 

90,756

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period

 

$

24,815

 

$

34,665

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

August 4, 2006

 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “company” and “Toro” refer to The Toro Company and its subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting primarily of recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations. Since the company’s business is seasonal, operating results for the nine months ended August 4, 2006 cannot be annualized to determine the expected results for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2006. Certain amounts from prior period’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to this period’s presentation.

 

The company’s fiscal year ends on October 31, and quarterly results are reported based on three month periods that generally end on the Friday closest to the quarter end. For comparative purposes, however, the company’s second and third quarters always include exactly 13 weeks of results so that the quarter end date for these two quarters is not necessarily the Friday closest to the quarter end.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005. The policies described in that report are used for preparing quarterly reports.

 

Accounting Policies

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management must make decisions that impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, management applies judgments based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, historical experience, and actuarial valuations. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K provides a summary of the significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements. Other footnotes to the consolidated financial statements in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K describe various elements of the financial statements and the assumptions made in determining specific amounts.

 

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income and the components of other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net earnings

 

$

40,322

 

$

34,377

 

$

124,683

 

$

107,510

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

450

 

(2,881

)

2,245

 

(2,063

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of taxes

 

828

 

482

 

(685

)

1,790

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

41,600

 

$

31,978

 

$

126,243

 

$

107,237

 

 

6



 

Stock-Based Compensation

The company accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, option awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the company’s common stock as of the date of grant. For certain non-officer employees, the options vest after two years from the date of grant and have a five-year contractual term. Other options granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 vest one-third each year over a three-year period and have a ten-year contractual term. Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value is recognized for these awards over the vesting period. The company also issues Performance Shares to key employees. The company determines the fair value of these Performance Shares as of the date of grant and recognizes the expense over the vesting period. Total compensation expense for option awards and Performance Shares for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $1.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Year-to-date compensation expense for option awards and Performance Shares through the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $5.6 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

 

The fair value of each share-based option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation method that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected life is a significant assumption as it determines the period for which the risk-free interest rate, volatility, and dividend yield must be applied. The expected life is the average length of time over which the employee groups will exercise their options, which is based on historical experience with similar grants. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. Expected volatilities are based on the movement of the company’s stock over the most recent historical period equivalent to the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life at the time of grant. Dividend yield is estimated over the expected life based on the company’s dividend policy, historical dividends paid, expected increase in future cash dividends, and expected increase in the company’s stock price. The following table illustrates the assumptions for options granted in the following fiscal periods.

 

 

 

Fiscal 2006

 

Fiscal 2005

 

Expected life of option in years

 

2.5 – 6.5

 

3 - 7

 

Expected volatility

 

25.26% - 26.96%

 

25.87% - 30.41%

 

Weighted-average volatility

 

26.12%

 

28.04%

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.399% - 4.526%

 

3.22% - 4.04%

 

Expected dividend yield

 

0.65%- 0.70%

 

0.18% - 0.25%

 

Weighted-average dividend yield

 

0.67%

 

0.22%

 

 

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the first quarters of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $10.90 per share and $11.14 per share, respectively. The fair value of Performance Shares granted during the first quarters of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $41.44 per share and $37.02 per share, respectively. No options or Performance Shares were granted during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2006 and 2005.

 

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for most inventories and first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for all other inventories. The company establishes a reserve for excess, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory that is equal to the difference between the cost and estimated net realizable value for that inventory. These reserves are based on a review and comparison of current inventory levels to the production and sales history of the inventory.

 

Inventories were as follows:

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

October 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Raw materials and work in process

 

$

65,005

 

$

59,613

 

$

61,824

 

Finished goods and service parts

 

247,387

 

225,859

 

231,772

 

 

 

312,392

 

285,472

 

293,596

 

Less: LIFO

 

40,011

 

30,227

 

40,011

 

Other reserves

 

17,350

 

20,099

 

18,238

 

Total

 

$

255,031

 

$

235,146

 

$

235,347

 

 

7



 

Per Share Data

Reconciliations of basic and diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding are as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock

 

42,852

 

44,494

 

43,232

 

45,073

 

Assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

 

 

51

 

48

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

42,852

 

44,494

 

43,283

 

45,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

42,852

 

44,494

 

43,283

 

45,121

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

1,508

 

1,944

 

1,523

 

1,845

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock, assumed issuance of contingent shares, and effect of dilutive securities

 

44,360

 

46,438

 

44,806

 

46,966

 

 

Shares for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005.

 

Segment Data

The presentation of segment information reflects the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance. On this basis, the company has determined it has two reportable business segments: Professional and Residential. The Other segment consists of company-owned distributor operations in the United States and corporate activities, including corporate financing activities and elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses.

 

The following table shows the summarized financial information concerning the company’s reportable segments:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

Other

 

Total

 

Three months ended August 4, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

319,733

 

$

145,308

 

$

12,820

 

$

477,861

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

12,580

 

1,945

 

(14,525

)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

62,474

 

8,752

 

(11,426

)

59,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended July 29, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

302,517

 

$

148,590

 

$

15,835

 

$

466,942

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

13,618

 

1,472

 

(15,090

)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

59,894

 

10,096

 

(19,502

)

50,488

 

 

 

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

Other

 

Total

 

Nine months ended August 4, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

1,012,436

 

$

463,786

 

$

30,283

 

$

1,506,505

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

39,117

 

6,132

 

(45,249

)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

208,311

 

32,037

 

(56,020

)

184,328

 

Total assets

 

511,953

 

168,805

 

324,587

 

1,005,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 29, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

936,799

 

$

472,188

 

$

33,309

 

$

1,442,296

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

41,681

 

6,045

 

(47,726

)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

183,382

 

43,493

 

(66,412

)

160,463

 

Total assets

 

475,283

 

219,594

 

306,508

 

1,001,385

 

 

8



 

The following table presents the details of the Other segment operating loss before income taxes:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Corporate expenses

 

$

(15,145

)

$

(20,960

)

$

(63,071

)

$

(68,843

)

Finance charge revenue

 

806

 

701

 

2,046

 

2,283

 

Elimination of corporate financing expense

 

5,136

 

5,296

 

14,052

 

13,793

 

Interest expense, net

 

(4,677

)

(4,820

)

(14,097

)

(13,453

)

Distribution

 

601

 

1,134

 

420

 

412

 

Other

 

1,853

 

(853

)

4,630

 

(604

)

Total

 

$

(11,426

)

$

(19,502

)

$

(56,020

)

$

(66,412

)

 

Goodwill

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 were as follows:

 

 

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Segment

 

Segment

 

Total

 

Balance as of October 31, 2005

 

$

70,801

 

$

10,396

 

$

81,197

 

Translation adjustment

 

112

 

93

 

205

 

Balance as of August 4, 2006

 

$

70,913

 

$

10,489

 

$

81,402

 

 

Other Intangible Assets

The components of other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:

 

 

 

August 4, 2006

 

October 31, 2005

 

 

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Patents

 

$

6,553

 

$

(5,878

)

$

6,553

 

$

(5,620

)

Non-compete agreements

 

1,000

 

(879

)

1,000

 

(821

)

Customer related

 

1,313

 

(197

)

1,239

 

(93

)

Other

 

2,300

 

(1,508

)

2,000

 

(1,285

)

Total

 

$

11,166

 

$

(8,462

)

$

10,792

 

$

(7,819

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other amortizable intangible assets, net

 

$

2,704

 

 

 

$

2,973

 

 

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $631,000. Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2006 and succeeding fiscal years is as follows: 2006 (remainder), $237,000; 2007, $787,000; 2008, $573,000; 2009, $251,000; 2010, $175,000; 2011, $175,000 and after 2011, $506,000.

 

The company also has $2.6 million of non-amortizable intangible assets related to the Hayter brand name.

 

Warranty Guarantees

The company’s products are warranted to ensure customer confidence in design, workmanship, and overall quality. Warranty coverage ranges from a period of six months to seven years, and generally covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs, provided operator abuse, improper use, or negligence did not necessitate the repair. An authorized Toro distributor or dealer must perform warranty work. Distributors, dealers, and contractors submit claims for warranty reimbursement and are credited for the cost of repairs, labor, and other expenses as long as the repairs meet prescribed standards. Warranty expense is accrued at the time of sale based on the estimated number of products under warranty, historical average costs incurred to service warranty claims, the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, and other minor factors. Special warranty reserves are also accrued for major rework campaigns, which is included as a component of Changes in Estimates in the table below. The company also sells additional warranty coverage on select products when the factory warranty period expires.

 

9



 

Warranty provisions, claims, and changes in estimates for the first nine-month periods in fiscal 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Beginning

 

Warranty

 

Warranty

 

Changes in

 

Ending

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Balance

 

Provision

 

Claims

 

Estimates

 

Balance

 

August 4, 2006

 

$

61,385

 

$

34,668

 

$

(27,110

)

$

2,509

 

$

71,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 29, 2005

 

$

60,988

 

$

33,175

 

$

(27,257

)

$

(11

)

$

66,895

 

 

Postretirement Benefit Plans

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Service cost

 

$

95

 

$

132

 

$

285

 

$

394

 

Interest cost

 

128

 

127

 

384

 

383

 

Prior service cost

 

(48

)

(49

)

(144

)

(145

)

Amortization of losses

 

68

 

84

 

204

 

250

 

Net expense

 

$

243

 

$

294

 

$

729

 

$

882

 

 

As of August 4, 2006, approximately $438,000 of contributions had been made. The company presently expects to contribute approximately an additional $200,000 to its postretirement health-care benefit plan in the remainder of fiscal 2006.

 

The company maintains The Toro Company Investment, Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan for eligible employees. The company’s expenses under this plan were $3.8 million and $12.1 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods in fiscal 2006, respectively, and $4.0 million and $11.7 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods in fiscal 2005, respectively.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The company uses derivative instruments to assist in the management of exposure to currency exchange rates. The company uses derivative instruments only to limit underlying exposure to currency fluctuations, and not for trading purposes. The company documents relationships between hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The company assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item.

 

The company enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted settlements in local currencies of trade sales and purchases. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and are reported at fair value as a hedge asset or liability in prepaid expenses or accrued liabilities, as applicable. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged transaction occurs. Once the forecasted transaction has been recognized as a sale or inventory purchase and a related asset or liability recorded in the balance sheet, the related fair value of the derivative hedge contract is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. During the three and nine months ended August 4, 2006, the amount of (loss) gains reclassified to earnings for such cash flow hedges was $(0.8) million and $0.2 million, respectively. For the nine months ended August 4, 2006, the gains treated as an addition to net sales for contracts to hedge trade sales were $0.1 million and the gains treated as a reduction of cost of sales for contracts to hedge inventory purchases were $0.1 million. As of August 4, 2006, the notional amount of such contracts outstanding was $71.7 million. The unrecognized after-tax loss portion of the fair value of the contracts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of August 4, 2006 was $0.1 million.

 

The company also enters into other foreign currency exchange contracts. These contracts are intended to hedge intercompany financing transactions and other activities and are not designed as hedging instruments under the accounting criteria of SFAS No. 133; therefore, changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded in other income, net.

 

10



 

Contingencies

On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit in Illinois state court against the company and eight other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. On May 17, 2006, the plaintiffs’ filed an amended complaint to add 84 additional plaintiffs and an engine manufacturer as an additional defendant. The amended complaint asserts violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and statutory and common law claims arising from the laws of 48 states. The plaintiffs seek certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1994 through the present purchased a lawnmower containing a two stroke or four stroke gas combustible engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured or sold by the defendants. The amended complaint seeks an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, treble damages under the RICO Act and attorneys’ fees. In late May 2006, the case was removed to Federal court in the Southern District of Illinois. On August 1, 2006, all of the defendants, except MTD Products Inc., filed motions to dismiss claims in the amended complaint. On August 4, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of a settlement agreement with MTD Products Inc. and certification of a settlement class. All remaining non-settling defendants have filed counterclaims against MTD Products Inc. for potential contribution amounts and MTD Products Inc. has filed cross claims against the non-settling defendants. A court hearing on the defendants’ motions to dismiss and the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary approval of the settlement agreement and certification of a settlement class was held on August 29, 2006. The court has not yet ruled on these motions. Also on August 29, 2006, the court held a preliminary class certification hearing and the court has not yet ruled on this matter. Management continues to evaluate this lawsuit and is unable to reasonably estimate the likelihood of loss or the amount or range of potential loss that could result from this litigation. Therefore, no accrual has been established for potential loss in connection with this lawsuit. The company is also unable to assess at this time whether the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on its annual consolidated operating results or financial condition, although an unfavorable resolution could be material to the company’s consolidated operating results for a particular period.

 

In the ordinary course of business, in addition to that described above, the company may become liable with respect to pending and threatened litigation for product liability, tax, patent, environmental, and other matters. While the ultimate results of current claims, investigations, and lawsuits involving the company are unknown at this time, management believes that, except for the lawsuit discussed above, the outcomes of these cases are unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated operating results, liquidity, or financial position of the company.

 

11



 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Nature of Operations

The Toro Company is in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing professional turf maintenance equipment and services, turf and micro irrigation systems, landscaping equipment, and residential yard products worldwide. Our products are sold through a network of distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retailers, and over the Internet, mainly through Internet retailers. Our businesses are organized into two segments: professional and residential. A third segment called “other” consists of domestic distribution companies and corporate activities. Our emphasis is to provide well-built, dependable, and innovative products supported by an extensive service network. A significant portion of our revenues has historically been attributable to new and enhanced products. As we enter the last three months of our “6 + 8” profitability and growth initiative, we expect to continue to invest in growth strategies directed at underserved markets, such as accelerating our growth in international markets. The goals of this initiative are to achieve a consistent after-tax return on net sales of 6 percent or more and grow revenues at an average rate of 8 percent or more over the three-year period ending October 31, 2006.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

Our results for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 were strong with double digit net earnings growth. Our net earnings rose 17.3 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005; however, the net sales growth rate was a modest 2.3 percent for the third quarter comparison. Year-to-date net earnings rose 16.0 percent in fiscal 2006 compared to the same period last fiscal year on a year-to-date sales growth rate of 4.5 percent. Our sales growth was due to continued strong sales in our professional segment, which was offset by a decline in sales for the residential segment. International sales continued its growth momentum with an increase of 4.9 percent and 13.0 percent for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Factoring out the additional sales from our purchase of Hayter Limited, which we acquired in February 2005, total year-to-date international net sales were up 11.6 percent for fiscal 2006 compared to the same period in fiscal 2005. Net earnings as a percentage of net sales rose from 7.4 percent and 7.5 percent in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005, respectively, to 8.4 percent and 8.3 percent in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006, respectively. Higher gross margins, continued leveraging of selling, general, and administrative expenses, and an increase in other income contributed to the earnings improvement. Our financial condition remains strong with a decline in receivables; however inventory levels increased compared to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2005. We also increased our third quarter cash dividend by 50 percent compared to the quarterly cash dividend paid in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Our third quarter sales growth was not as strong as the first half of fiscal 2006. However, we are optimistic that our results for the full fiscal year of 2006 will meet our current expectations, despite an expected negative impact to our fourth quarter net sales growth as we reduce shipments to customers in an attempt to lower field inventory levels, which for certain products were higher than our previous expectations. We continue to keep a cautionary eye on field inventory levels, retail demand, world economies, commodity prices, competitive actions, weather, and other factors identified below under the heading “Forward-Looking Information,” which could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations.

 

Net Earnings

Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 were $40.3 million or $0.91 per diluted share compared to $34.4 million or $0.74 per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2005, a net earnings per diluted share increase of 23.0 percent. Year-to-date net earnings in fiscal 2006 were $124.7 million or $2.78 per diluted share compared to $107.5 million or $2.29 per diluted share last fiscal year, a net earnings per diluted share increase of 21.4 percent. The primary factors contributing to these increases were higher sales volumes, an increase in gross margins, improved leveraging of selling, general, and administrative costs, and higher other income. In addition, third quarter and year-to-date fiscal 2006 net earnings per diluted share were benefited by approximately $0.04 per share and $0.13 per share, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2005 as a result of reduced shares outstanding due to our significant Toro common stock repurchases.

 

12



 

The following table summarizes the major operating costs and other income as a percentage of net sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

64.4

 

65.0

 

64.7

 

65.2

 

Gross profit

 

35.6

 

35.0

 

35.3

 

34.8

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

(22.7

)

(23.2

)

(22.6

)

(22.9

)

Interest expense

 

(1.0

)

(1.0

)

(0.9

)

(0.9

)

Other income, net

 

0.6

 

0.1

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(4.1

)

(3.5

)

(3.9

)

(3.7

)

Net earnings

 

8.4

%

7.4

%

8.3

%

7.5

%

 

Net Sales

Worldwide consolidated net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 were up 2.3 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year. Factoring out the effect of the additional sales from Hayter, which was acquired in February 2005, net sales for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 increased 3.9 percent over the same period last fiscal year. The net sales increase was primarily due to price increases, strong worldwide demand in the professional segment, and the introduction of new products. International sales continued to be strong, particularly in the professional segment, despite the unfavorable impact of currency exchange rates that reduced sales by approximately $0.7 million and $7.5 million for the third quarter and year-to date period of fiscal 2006, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Residential segment sales were down due to a decline in shipments of home solutions products, somewhat offset by an increase of new riding product shipments. International residential segment sales were up as a result of strong shipments of snow thrower products in the European market, introduction of new products, and the additional sales from the Hayter acquisition for the year-to-date comparison.

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 increased 4.3 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year due to increased sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 was 35.6 percent and 35.3 percent, respectively, compared to 35.0 percent and 34.8 percent for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005, respectively. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was the result of the following factors: (i) price increases introduced on some products; (ii) a higher proportionate share of professional segment sales that carry higher average gross margins than residential segment sales; and (iii) cost reduction efforts, including benefits from past and continuing profit improvement initiatives. Somewhat offsetting those positive factors were: (i) continued higher commodity costs; (ii) lower gross margins for the new line of riding products in the residential segment; and (iii) increased freight costs due to higher fuel costs and increased demand for transportation.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

Selling, general, and administrative expense (SG&A) for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was even at $108.6 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005. SG&A for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 increased 3.0 percent from the same period in the prior fiscal year. SG&A as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 was 22.7 percent and 22.6 percent, respectively, compared to 23.2 percent and 22.9 percent for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005, respectively. The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales was the result of the following factors: (i) a reduction in self-insurance costs due to favorable claims experience and (ii) leveraging the fixed portion of SG&A costs over higher sales volumes. Somewhat offsetting those decreases were: (i) increased investments in engineering and information systems as part of our “6 + 8” initiative and (ii) higher warranty expense due to special provisions for product modifications.

 

13



 

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased 3.0 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and increased by 4.8 percent for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 compared to the same respective periods in the prior fiscal year. Higher interest rates increased interest costs, which was somewhat offset by lower average short-term debt.

 

Other Income, Net

Other income, net for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 was $2.8 million and $6.1 million, respectively. These amounts represent increases of $2.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year. These increases were due primarily to currency exchange rate gains this year compared to currency exchange rate losses last year, an increase in finance charge revenue, and higher litigation settlement recovery for the year-to-date period in fiscal 2006 compared to the same period in fiscal 2005.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

The tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was 32.6 percent compared to 31.9 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. This increase was due to tax benefits we realized last fiscal year related to foreign export sales. The tax rate for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 was 32.4 percent compared to 33.0 percent for the same period in the prior fiscal year. This tax rate decline for the year-to-date comparison was due to favorable resolution of tax matters from prior years’ tax returns.

 

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

As described previously, we operate in two reportable business segments: professional and residential. A third reportable segment called “other” consists of company-owned domestic distributorships, and corporate activities, including corporate financing activities. Operating earnings for each of our two business segments is defined as earnings from operations plus other income, net. Operating loss for our third “other” segment includes earnings (loss) from operations, corporate activities, including corporate financing activities, other income, net, and interest expense.

 

The following table summarizes net sales by segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

319,733

 

$

302,517

 

$

17,216

 

5.7

%

Residential

 

145,308

 

148,590

 

(3,282

)

(2.2

)

Other

 

12,820

 

15,835

 

(3,015

)

(19.0

)

Total *

 

$

477,861

 

$

466,942

 

$

10,919

 

2.3

%

 


* Includes international net sales of:

 

$

113,651

 

$

108,353

 

$

5,298

 

4.9

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

1,012,436

 

$

936,799

 

$

75,637

 

8.1

%

Residential

 

463,786

 

472,188

 

(8,402

)

(1.8

)

Other

 

30,283

 

33,309

 

(3,026

)

(9.1

)

Total *

 

$

1,506,505

 

$

1,442,296

 

$

64,209

 

4.5

%

 


* Includes international net sales of:

 

$

402,000

 

$

355,782

 

$

46,218

 

13.0

%

 

14



 

The following table summarizes operating earnings (loss) before income taxes by segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

62,474

 

$

59,894

 

$

2,580

 

4.3

%

Residential

 

8,752

 

10,096

 

(1,344

)

(13.3

)

Other

 

(11,426

)

(19,502

)

8,076

 

41.4

 

Total

 

$

59,800

 

$

50,488

 

$

9,312

 

18.4

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

208,311

 

$

183,382

 

$

24,929

 

13.6

%

Residential

 

32,037

 

43,493

 

(11,456

)

(26.3

)

Other

 

(56,020

)

(66,412

)

10,392

 

15.6

 

Total

 

$

184,328

 

$

160,463

 

$

23,865

 

14.9

%

 

Professional

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales for the professional segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 were up 5.7 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Factoring out the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, professional segment net sales for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 were up 7.5 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year. The sales increase for the third quarter comparison was led by strong demand in the domestic golf course market and the introduction of new products, somewhat offset by lower sales of landscape contractor equipment products. The sales increase for the year-to-date comparison was led by strong international professional segment sales, which were up 13.7 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year, due to continued demand in the international markets, the success of new products introduced within the past two years, and the additional sales from the Hayter acquisition. Shipments of landscape contractor equipment also increased for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 compared to the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 due mainly to the introduction of new products and strong orders from our customers in anticipation of strong retail demand during fiscal 2006. This increase in shipments of landscape contractor equipment resulted in higher field inventory levels as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the professional segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 increased 4.3 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, professional segment operating margins slightly decreased to 19.5 percent compared to 19.8 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, and the fiscal 2006 year-to-date professional segment operating margins increased to 20.6 percent compared to 19.6 percent last fiscal year. The lower operating earnings as a percent of net sales in the third quarter comparison was the result of a special warranty reserve for a product modification and higher marketing and engineering expense, somewhat offset by an increase in gross margins. The profit improvement for the year-to-date comparison was due to an increase in gross margins, which was attributable to the same factors discussed previously in the Gross Profit section above.

 

15



 

Residential

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales for the residential segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 were slightly down by 2.2 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Factoring out the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, residential segment net sales for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 were down 2.3 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year. These declines were primarily due to lower shipments of domestic snow throwers as a result of the lack of snowfall during the 2005-2006 domestic winter season, somewhat offset by strong snow thrower shipments in the European market due to low field inventory levels in that region entering the upcoming winter season. Sales of electric home solutions products were also down due mainly to a slowdown of consumer spending from weak economic conditions. Retail irrigation product sales also declined due to poor weather conditions in key markets and lost placement of certain models at a key retailer. Somewhat offsetting those decreases were higher shipments of riding products due to the introduction of new models and expanded placement at a key retailer. Walk power mower sales also increased for the third quarter comparison due to a late start to the spring selling season; however, year-to-date sales of walk power mowers were down as a result of a slowdown of consumer spending and unfavorable weather conditions.

 

Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the residential segment in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 decreased 13.3 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005, and fiscal 2006 year-to-date operating earnings were down by 26.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, residential segment operating margins decreased to 6.0 percent compared to 6.8 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, and fiscal 2006 year-to-date residential segment operating margins decreased to 6.9 percent compared to 9.2 percent last year. Those decreases were due mainly to lower gross margins as a result of higher commodity costs with minimal price increases and lower gross margins for the new line of riding products. Also contributing to the decline in operating earnings was higher SG&A expense as a percent of net sales due mainly to lower sales volumes and higher warranty costs as a result of a special provision for a product recall.

 

Other

Net Sales. Net sales for the other segment include sales from our wholly owned domestic distribution companies less sales from the professional and residential segments to those distribution companies. In addition, elimination of the professional and residential segments’ floor plan interest costs from Toro Credit Company are also included in this segment. The other segment net sales decreased for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 by 19.0 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. This decline was due to lower sales at a company-owned distributor as a result of the change in the method of distribution of Exmark products to shipping directly to dealers that impacted the territory served by our Midwestern distributorship.

 

Operating Losses. Operating losses for the other segment were down for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2006 by $8.1 million or 41.4 percent and $10.4 million or 15.6 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. The decreased losses were due primarily to a reduction in self-insurance costs, currency exchange rate gains this year compared to currency exchange rate losses last fiscal year, and lower excess and obsolescence parts inventory expense this year compared to last fiscal year.

 

16



 

FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Working Capital

During the first nine months of fiscal 2006, our financial condition remained strong and emphasis continued on improving asset management. Average working capital for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $340.2 million compared to $310.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The increase of 9.7 percent was primarily due to lower average short-term debt. Average receivables for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 slightly decreased by 0.3 percent compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005 on a sales increase of 4.5 percent. Our average days sales outstanding for receivables improved to 74 days based on sales for the last twelve months ended August 4, 2006, compared to 76 days for the twelve months ended July 29, 2005. Average inventory levels increased slightly by 0.3 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Average inventory turnover slightly improved by 1.8 percent for the last twelve months ended August 4, 2006 compared to the last twelve months ended July 29, 2005. These improvements reflect our continuing efforts to improve asset utilization.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our businesses are seasonally working capital intensive and require funding for purchases of raw materials used in production, replacement parts inventory, capital expenditures, expansion and upgrading of existing facilities, as well as for financing receivables from customers. We believe that cash generated from operations, together with our fixed rate long-term debt, bank credit lines, and cash on hand, will provide us with adequate liquidity to meet our operating requirements. We believe that the funds available through existing or anticipated financing arrangements and forecasted cash flows will be sufficient to provide the necessary capital resources for our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividend payments, and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months.

 

Our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.09 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 paid on July 12, 2006, which was an increase over our cash dividend of $0.06 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Cash Flow. Cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was 5.9 percent lower than the first nine months of fiscal 2005 due primarily to a larger increase in receivables and inventory levels, somewhat offset by higher net earnings. Cash used in investing activities was lower by $36.0 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005, due mainly to cash utilized last year for the purchase of Hayter. Cash used in financing activities was lower by 9.3 percent compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005. This decline was primarily due to lower levels of our common stock repurchased and an increase in tax benefits for stock-based awards, somewhat offset by a lower increase in short-term debt in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005.

 

Credit Lines and Other Capital Resources. Our business is seasonal, with accounts receivable balances historically increasing between January and April as a result of higher sales volumes and extended payment terms made available to our customers, and decreasing between May and December when payments are received. The seasonality of production and shipments causes our working capital requirements to fluctuate during the year. Our peak borrowing usually occurs between February and May. Seasonal cash requirements are financed from operations and with short- and medium-term financing arrangements, including a $175.0 million unsecured senior five-year revolving credit facility, which expires in October 2010. Interest expense on this credit line is determined based on a LIBOR rate plus a basis point spread defined in the credit agreement. In addition, our non-U.S. operations and a domestic subsidiary also maintain unsecured short-term lines of credit of approximately $16 million. These facilities bear interest at various rates depending on the rates in their respective countries of operation. We also have a letter of credit subfacility as part of our credit agreements. Average short-term debt was $56.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to $81.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, a decrease of 30.2 percent. This decline was the result of cash utilized last year for the acquisition of Hayter and significant stock repurchases. As of August 4, 2006, we had $167.6 million of unutilized availability under our credit agreements.

 

Significant financial covenants in our credit agreements are interest coverage and debt to capitalization ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants related to our credit agreements as of August 4, 2006, and expect to be in compliance with all covenants during fiscal 2006. If we were out of compliance with any covenant required by our credit agreements, the banks could terminate their commitments unless we could negotiate a covenant waiver from the banks. In addition, our long-term public notes and debentures could become due and payable if we were unable to obtain a covenant waiver or refinance our medium-term debt under our credit agreements. If our credit rating falls below investment grade, the interest rate we currently pay on outstanding debt under the credit agreements would increase, but the credit commitments could not be cancelled by the banks based only on a ratings downgrade. Our debt rating for long-term unsecured senior, non-credit enhanced debt has been unchanged for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Group at BBB- and by Moody’s Investors Service at Baa3.

 

17



 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

Our off-balance sheet arrangements generally relate to customer financing activities, inventory purchase commitments, operating lease commitments, and currency contracts. See our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations. There has been no material change in this information.

 

Inflation

We are subject to the effects of inflation and changing prices. In the first nine months of fiscal 2006, average prices paid for fuel, petroleum-based resins, and other commodities were higher compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005, which resulted in a negative impact on our gross margin and net earnings. We expect this trend to continue for the remainder of fiscal 2006. We will continue to attempt to mitigate the impact of these anticipated increases in commodity prices and other inflationary pressures by actively pursuing internal cost reduction efforts, introducing moderate price increases on some products, and through vendor negotiations.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we must make decisions which impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgments based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, historical experience, and actuarial valuations. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared.

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005. Some of those significant accounting policies require us to make difficult subjective or complex judgments or estimates. An accounting estimate is considered to be critical if it meets both of the following criteria: (i) the estimate requires assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made, and (ii) different estimates reasonably could have been used or changes in the estimates that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period would have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. Our critical accounting estimates include the following:

 

Warranty Reserve. Warranty coverage on our products ranges from a period of six months to seven years, and covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs, provided operator abuse, improper use or negligence did not necessitate the repair. At the time of sale, we accrue a warranty reserve by product line for estimated costs in connection with future warranty claims. We also establish reserves for major rework campaigns upon company policy approval. The amount of our warranty reserves is based primarily on the estimated number of products under warranty, historical average costs incurred to service warranty claims, the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, and the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim. We periodically assess the adequacy of our warranty reserves based on changes in these factors and record any necessary adjustments if actual claim experience indicates that adjustments are necessary. Actual claims could be higher or lower than amounts estimated, as the amount and value of warranty claims are subject to variation of such factors as performance of new products, significant manufacturing or design defects not discovered until after the product is delivered to customers, product failure rates, and higher or lower than expected service costs for a repair. We believe that analysis of historical trends and knowledge of potential manufacturing or design problems provide sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for warranty claims at the time of sale. However, since we cannot predict with certainty future warranty claims or costs associated with servicing those claims, our actual warranty costs may differ from our estimates. An unexpected increase in warranty claims or in the costs associated with servicing those claims would result in an increase in our warranty accrual and a decrease in our net earnings. The accrual for future estimated warranty claims was $71.5 million as of August 4, 2006 compared to $66.9 million as of July 29, 2005.

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable Valuation. We value accounts and notes receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Each quarter, we estimate our ability to collect outstanding receivables that provides a basis for an allowance estimate for doubtful accounts. In doing so, we evaluate the age of our receivables, past collection history, current financial conditions of key customers, and economic conditions. Based on this evaluation, we establish a reserve for specific accounts and notes receivable that we believe are uncollectible, as well as an estimate of uncollectible receivables not specifically known. Portions

 

18



 

of our accounts receivable are protected by a security interest in products held by customers, which minimizes our collection exposure. A deterioration in the financial condition of any key customer or a significant slow down in the economy could have a material negative impact on our ability to collect a portion or all of the accounts and notes receivable. We believe that an analysis of historical trends and our current knowledge of potential collection problems provide us with sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for an allowance for doubtful accounts. However, since we cannot predict with certainty future changes in the financial stability of our customers, our actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. In the event we determined that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, we would record a credit or charge to selling, general, and administrative expense in the period that we made such a determination. As of August 4, 2006, we had $3.2 million reserved against our accounts and notes receivable compared to $2.3 million as of July 29, 2005.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements To Be Adopted

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN No. 48). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. We will adopt the provisions of this interpretation in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, as required. We are currently evaluating the requirements of FIN No. 48 and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

 

Forward-Looking Information

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. In addition, we or others on our behalf may make forward-looking statements from time to time in oral presentations, including telephone conferences and/or web casts open to the public, in press releases or reports, on our Internet web sites, or otherwise. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect expectations and assumptions. We try to identify forward-looking statements in this report and elsewhere by using words such as “expect”, “looking ahead”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “should”, “may”, “intend”, and similar expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our future performance, including our anticipated operating results and liquidity requirements, our business strategies and goals, and the effect of laws, rules, regulations, and new accounting pronouncements and outstanding litigation on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include factors that affect all businesses operating in a global market as well as matters specific to Toro. The following are some of the factors known to us that could cause our actual results to differ materially from what we have anticipated in our forward-looking statements:

 

                   Inflationary pressures and higher short-term and mortgage interest rates could cause consumers to reduce spending, which could have an adverse affect on our net sales and earnings.

                   Increases in the cost and availability of raw materials and components that we purchase and increases in our other costs of doing business, such as transportation costs, may adversely affect our profit margins and business.

                   Weather conditions may reduce demand for some of our products and adversely affect our net sales.

                   Our professional segment net sales are dependent upon the level of growth in the residential and commercial construction markets, growth of homeowners’ outsourcing lawn care, the amount of investment in golf course renovations and improvements, new golf course development, and the amount of government spending.

                   Our residential segment net sales are dependent upon the amount of shelf space retailers assign to our products, changing buying patterns of customers, and The Home Depot, Inc. as a major customer.

                   We face intense competition in all of our product lines, including some competitors that have greater resources than us. We may not be able to compete effectively against competitors’ actions, which could harm our business and operating results.

                   A significant percentage of our consolidated net sales is generated outside of the United States, and we intend to continue to expand our international business. Our international operations require significant management attention and financial resources; expose us to difficulties presented by international economic, political, legal, accounting, and business factors; and may not be successful or produce desired levels of net sales and earnings.

                   Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in our reported net sales and net earnings.

                   We intend to grow our business in part through additional acquisitions, alliances, and joint venture arrangements, which are risky and could harm our business.

 

19



 

                   If we are unable to smoothly transition leadership roles and responsibilities, retain our key employees, and attract and retain other qualified personnel, we may not be able to meet strategic objectives and our business could suffer.

                   We rely on our management information systems for inventory management, distribution, and other functions. If our information systems fail to adequately perform these functions or if we experience an interruption in their operation, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

                   A significant portion of our net sales are financed by third parties. Some Toro dealers and Exmark distributors and dealers finance their inventories with third party financing sources. The termination of our agreements with these third parties, any material change to the terms of our agreements with these third parties or in the availability or terms of credit offered to our customers by these third parties, or any delay in securing replacement credit sources, could negatively impact our sales and operating results.

                   Our reliance upon patents, trademark laws, and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient to protect our intellectual property from others who may sell similar products.

                   We manufacture our products at and distribute our products from several locations in the United States and internationally. Any disruption at any of these facilities or our inability to cost-effectively expand existing and move production between manufacturing facilities could adversely affect our business and operating results.

                   Our business is subject to a number of other factors that may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, or business, such as changes in domestic and global economies, including but not limited to slow growth rate, slow down in home sales, rise in interest rates, inflation, unemployment, weaker consumer confidence, and currency exchange rates; natural disasters that may result in shortages of raw materials, higher fuel and energy costs, and an increase in insurance premiums; financial viability of some distributors and dealers, changes in distributor ownership, our success in partnering with new dealers, and our customers’ ability to pay amounts owed to us; and continued threat of terrorist acts and war that may result in heightened security and higher costs for import and export shipments of components or finished goods, reduced leisure travel, and contraction of the U.S. and world economies.

                   If we are unable to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs and achieve market acceptance, we may experience a decrease in demand for our products, and our business could suffer.

                   Our business, properties, and products are subject to governmental regulation with which compliance may require us to incur expenses or modify our products or operations and may expose us to penalties for non-compliance. Governmental regulation may also adversely affect the demand for some of our products and our operating results.

                   We are subject to product liability claims, product quality issues, and other litigation from time to time that could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition, including without limitation the pending litigation against the company and other defendants that challenges the horsepower ratings of lawnmowers, of which the company is currently unable to assess whether the litigation would have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition, although an adverse result might be material to operating results in a particular period.

 

For more information regarding these and other uncertainties and factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from what we have anticipated in our forward-looking statements or otherwise could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results, see our most recent filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

All forward-looking statements included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement which speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking statements are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described above, as well as others that we may consider immaterial or do not anticipate at this time. The foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exclusive and further information concerning the company and our businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect our financial results or condition, may emerge from time to time. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements. We advise you, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our future quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

20



 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in our net earnings and cash flows. See further discussions on these market risks below.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk. In the normal course of business, we actively manage our exposure to foreign currency market risk by entering into various hedging instruments, authorized under company policies that place controls on these activities, with counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions. Our hedging activities involve the use of a variety of derivative financial instruments. We use derivative instruments only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from currency fluctuations and to minimize earnings and cash volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes, and not for trading purposes. We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business, such as sales and loans to wholly owned subsidiaries as well as sales to third party customers, purchases from suppliers, and bank lines of credit with creditors denominated in foreign currencies. Because our products are manufactured or sourced primarily from the United States, a stronger U.S. dollar generally has a negative impact on results from operations outside the United States while a weaker dollar generally has a positive effect. Our primary exchange rate exposures are with the Euro, the Japanese yen, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, and the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar.

 

We enter into various contracts, principally forward contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change, to protect the value of existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, anticipated sales, and probable commitments. Decisions on whether to use such contracts are made based on the amount of exposures to the currency involved, and an assessment of the near-term market value for each currency. Worldwide foreign currency exchange rate exposures are reviewed monthly. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures. Therefore, changes in market values of these hedge instruments are highly correlated with changes in market values of underlying hedged items both at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract.

 

The following foreign currency exchange contracts held by us have maturity dates in fiscal 2006 and 2007. All items are non-trading and stated in U.S. dollars. Some derivative instruments we enter into do not meet the hedging criteria of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities;” therefore, changes in their fair value are recorded in other income, net. The average contracted rate, notional amount, pre-tax value of derivative instruments in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL), and fair value impact of derivative instruments in other income, net for the nine months ended August 4, 2006 were as follows:

 

Dollars in thousands
(except average contracted rate)

 

Average
Contracted
Rate

 

Notional
Amount

 

Value in
AOCL
Income (Loss)

 

Fair Value
Impact
Gain (Loss)

 

Buy US dollar/Sell Australian dollar

 

0.7504

 

$

38,375.2

 

$

(326.2

)

$

(201.6

)

Buy US dollar/Sell Canadian dollar

 

0.8794

 

4,507.2

 

(69.2

)

(121.0

)

Buy US dollar/Sell Euro

 

1.2780

 

70,596.4

 

(453.8

)

59.9

 

Buy US dollar/Sell British pound

 

1.8759

 

18,196.2

 

 

(18.8

)

Buy Australian dollar/Sell US dollar

 

0.7395

 

856.5

 

18.8

 

7.9

 

Buy Mexican peso/Sell U.S. dollar

 

11.5364

 

18,073.2

 

637.7

 

100.5

 

 

Interest Rate Risk. We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from transactions that are entered into during the normal course of business. Our short-term debt rates are dependent upon a LIBOR or commercial paper rate plus a basis point spread defined in our credit agreements. See our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K (Item 7A). There has been no material change in this information.

 

Commodity Price Risk. Some raw materials used in our products are exposed to commodity price changes. We manage some of this risk by using a combination of short- and long-term agreements with some vendors. The primary commodity price exposures are with steel, plastic resin, diesel fuel, aluminum, copper, and linerboard. Further information regarding rising prices for commodities is presented in Item 2, section entitled “Inflation.”

 

We utilize contracts in the normal course of operations as a means to manage certain commodity price risks. The majority of these contracts are fixed-price contracts for future purchases of natural gas, which meet the definition of “normal purchases and normal sales” and therefore, are not considered derivative instruments for accounting purposes.

 

21



 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible internal controls. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that material information relating to our company and our consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal third quarter ended August 4, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit in Illinois state court against the company and eight other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. On May 17, 2006, the plaintiffs’ filed an amended complaint to add 84 additional plaintiffs and an engine manufacturer as an additional defendant. The amended complaint asserts violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and statutory and common law claims arising from the laws of 48 states. The plaintiffs seek certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1994 through the present purchased a lawnmower containing a two stroke or four stroke gas combustible engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured or sold by the defendants. The amended complaint seeks an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, treble damages under the RICO Act and attorneys’ fees. In late May 2006, the case was removed to Federal court in the Southern District of Illinois. On August 1, 2006, all of the defendants, except MTD Products Inc., filed motions to dismiss claims in the amended complaint. On August 4, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of a settlement agreement with MTD Products Inc. and certification of a settlement class. All remaining non-settling defendants have filed counterclaims against MTD Products Inc. for potential contribution amounts and MTD Products Inc. has filed cross claims against the non-settling defendants. A court hearing on the defendants’ motions to dismiss and the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary approval of the settlement agreement and certification of a settlement class was held on August 29, 2006. The court has not yet ruled on these motions. Also on August 29, 2006, the court held a preliminary class certification hearing and the court has not yet ruled on this matter. Management continues to evaluate this lawsuit and is unable to reasonably estimate the likelihood of loss or the amount or range of potential loss that could result from this litigation. Therefore, no accrual has been established for potential loss in connection with this lawsuit. The company is also unable to assess at this time whether the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on its annual consolidated operating results or financial condition, although an unfavorable resolution could be material to the company’s consolidated operating results for a particular period.

 

We are a party to litigation in the ordinary course of business. Litigation occasionally involves claims for punitive as well as compensatory damages arising out of use of our products. We are also subject to administrative proceedings with respect to claims involving the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment. Some of these claims assert damages and liability for remedial investigations and clean up costs. We are also typically involved in commercial disputes, employment disputes, and patent litigation cases in the ordinary course of business, both as a plaintiff and as a defendant. While the ultimate results of the current cases are unknown at this time, management believes that, except for the lawsuit discussed above, the outcomes of these cases are unlikely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results or financial position. Further, we maintain insurance against some product liability losses.

 

22



 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, careful consideration should be taken of the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future operating results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results.

 

Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The following table shows our third quarter of fiscal 2006 stock repurchase activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of

 

Maximum Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Purchased

 

of Shares that May

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Part of Publicly

 

Yet Be Purchased

 

 

 

Total Number of

 

Average Price

 

Announced Plans

 

Under the Plans or

 

Period

 

Shares Purchased (1)(2)

 

Paid per Share

 

or Programs

 

Programs (1)(2) .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 6, 2006 through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2, 2006

 

240,000

 

$

47.58

 

240,000

 

482,875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 3, 2006 through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2006

 

342,700

 

47.42

 

342,700

 

140,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1, 2006 through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 4, 2006

 

479,802

(3)

42.75

 

478,084

 

2,662,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

1,062,502

 

45.35

 

1,060,784

 

 

 

 


(1)          On July 19, 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 2,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market or in privately negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the company’s Board of Directors at any time. The company purchased an aggregate of 722,875 shares during the periods indicated above under this program. There are no shares remaining for repurchase under this program.

(2)          On July 18, 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 3,000,000 additional shares of the company’s common stock in open-market or in privately negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the company’s Board of Directors at any time. The company purchased an aggregate of 337,909 shares during the periods indicated above under this program.

(3)          Includes 1,718 units (shares) of the company’s common stock purchased in open-market transactions at an average price of $44.91 per share on behalf of a rabbi trust formed to pay benefit obligations of the company to participants in deferred compensation plans. These 1,718 shares were not repurchased under the company’s repurchase programs described in footnotes (1) and (2) above.

 

23



 

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a)  Exhibits

 

3(i) and 4(a)

 

The Toro Company Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) and 4(a) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2005, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

3(ii) and 4(b)

 

Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 30, 2005, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(c)

 

Specimen Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated October 31, 2004).

 

 

 

4(d)

 

Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998, between Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association relating to rights to purchase Series B Junior Participating Voting Preferred Stock, as amended (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 27, 1998, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(e)

 

Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares dated April 14, 2003 filed by Registrant with Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent, in connection with Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated April 14, 2003, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(f)

 

Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares dated April 12, 2005 filed by Registrant with Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent, in connection with Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registrant’s Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated March 21, 2005, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(g)

 

Indenture dated as of January 31, 1997, between Registrant and First National Trust Association, as Trustee, relating to the Registrant’s 7.125% Notes due June 15, 2007 and its 7.80% Debentures due June 15, 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K for June 24, 1997, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

31(a)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31(b)

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) (filed herewith).

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

 

24



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

THE TORO COMPANY

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

Date: September 8, 2006

By

/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Vice President Finance and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)

 

25


Exhibit 31(a)

 

Certification pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Michael J. Hoffman, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Toro Company;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)              Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)              Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)               Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)              Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)              All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)              Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: September 8, 2006

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Hoffman

 

Michael J. Hoffman

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 


Exhibit 31(b)

 

Certification pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Stephen P. Wolfe, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Toro Company;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in the report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)              Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)              Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)               Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)              Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)              All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)              Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: September 8, 2006

 

 

/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

Vice President Finance and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 


Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Toro Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 4, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Michael J. Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Stephen P. Wolfe, Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:

 

(1)          The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)          The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Hoffman

 

Michael J. Hoffman

President and Chief Executive Officer

September 8, 2006

 

 

 /s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

Vice President Finance and

Chief Financial Officer

September 8, 2006

 

 

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.